ABSTRACT
The term fana expresses a notion which is fundamental in Persian mysticism. It may owe its origin to Indian sources, but the Persians themselves are responsible for the subtle and enlightening interpretations of fana which abound in their spiritual writings. The Sufi notion of fana, therefore, seems to be that the transient, evanescent side of a man must 'pass away', in order that something or someone lasting may reign supreme in him. More drastic, however, were the claims made by some Sufis on the basis of the inner light which illumined their hearts. Mystical knowledge of God may also have as a by-product the quality known as firasat, or supernatural perspicacity extending to facts relating to created affairs. In the case of a number of great mystics, the state of trance or insensibility was interrupted when it was time to recite the namaz or ritual prayer.
